Gas Hearth Controller with Pressure and Temperature Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas hearths lack efficient temperature regulation and gas pressure sensing, leading to inefficient heating and potential misdiagnosis of issues with gas supply, as they rely on brute force methods and lack integrated sensing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a pressure sensor and ambient temperature sensor connected to a processor and controller that regulates flame height, fan speed, and BTU output, with zero voltage switching for efficient operation and remote communication for smart hearth functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If temperature control is performed by increasing fan speed or flame height through remote control, then desired temperature can be reached, but energy efficiency is reduced due to brute force method
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by using a temperature sensor to continuously monitor the temperature at the hearth and adjusting the flame height and fan speed accordingly. This closed-loop system replaces the open-loop brute force method, allowing the system to maintain desired temperature with minimal energy consumption by making precise adjustments rather than continuous maximum output.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts flame height and fan speed based on real-time temperature conditions rather than operating at fixed or maximum levels. This dynamic control allows the hearth to adapt its energy output to actual heating needs, improving energy efficiency while maintaining effective temperature control.
2Device complexity
If no gas pressure sensing is provided, then the hearth structure remains simple, but users cannot detect gas supply problems and may misdiagnose hearth issues
Solution Approach 1:
The hearth system performs self-diagnosis by incorporating a gas pressure sensor that automatically monitors gas supply conditions and communicates status information to the user. This allows the system to self-identify problems such as low gas pressure, preventing misdiagnosis of hearth malfunction and reducing unnecessary service calls while adding minimal complexity.
3Productivity
If integrated sensing and control systems are added to the hearth, then temperature regulation efficiency and diagnostic capability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it regulates flame height, controls fan speed, monitors temperature, detects gas pressure conditions, and provides user interface operations. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional controller, the system achieves high heating efficiency and diagnostic capability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient temperature control, alerts users to gas pressure issues, reduces unnecessary service calls, and optimizes energy usage through smart modulation of fan and flame height, ensuring safe and efficient heating.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor, whether that be a separate sensor, or a sensor integrated into a valve, which senses the pressure of either propane or natural gas as provided at the inlet of the hearth
Implementation Method 2
An ambient temperature sensor may be provided in communication with the processor or controller so as to sense the ambient temperature in or at the hearth
Implementation Method 3
The controller can regulate flame height by modulating the flame to turn it up or down based on the temperature reading
Implementation Method 4
Fan speed could also be adjusted in a similar way
Data Source
AI summary
An improved gas fireplace hearth provides a controller and can perform new features. A pressure sensor may be provided to communicate to the controller to warn of a drop of inlet gas pressure to indicate a problem with gas service rather than the hearth. An ambient temperature sensor can provide an input to the controller for various features including a safety feature to shut off gas flow if the hearth becomes too hot. The hearth can be made more efficient by having the controller implement a zero voltage alternating current system to adjust the speed of the fan, flame height, lighting, BTU output or other feature.